Hi all,

I have laptop with Windows7 Starter that came on it. I have a key on the back of my laptop. Now I replaced the hard drive with the SSD drive and installed Win8 RP on it from the scratch. Will I be able to purchase upgrade key for Pro version upon release date 26 Oct?

This is a sticky question. Theoretically you can use the upgrade media to upgrade from Win 8 RP to Win 8 Pro if you have a qualifying OS that you installed the Win 8 RP onto. The qualifying OS can not be installed on another PC.

Since you replaced your HD with an SSD and did not install Win 7 then installed Win 8 RP, the bit that the qualifying OS sets to show a qualifying OS was installed before you installed Win 8 RP is not enabled. You probably do not have a disk for the Win 7 starter. I am not exactly sure how or where this is enabled in the PC.

What you might have to do is download a Win 7 ISO file, use your original key and install it on the SSD, then Install Win 8 Pro over it.

Like I said, this is a sticky question. Perhaps someone else would have more info here.

I didn't say it, but it HAS been said that there will be NO upgrade path from a Beta to a Retail version of Win-8.

The beta version will have to be UN-Installed before the Retail version can be installed.
This is just one reason why we've been telling new users, for months, "do not use Win-8 Beta as your main OS, creating new data files, etc."

You'll need to save all your data files to a Flash Drive or similar storage place, before installing the Retail version of Win-8, if indeed, you want to buy and run Win-8 Pro.

Good Luck!

TM

I think the question was more can he use the upgrade media to install Win 8 Pro. Legally MS has said that if you have a qualifying OS (Win XP, Win Vista and Win 7 all editions) which has been replaced by Win 8 RP then you DO qualify to use the upgrade media. As TM states we do always suggest using the Custom Install type of installation. I think I read somewhere that MS has stated there will be a minimum upgrade path from Win 8 RP to Win 8 Pro. A user would only be able to save similar things as Win XP.

I will be using the custom Install myself and recommend that everyone do this.

Manjit,

Let's say you are dual-booting Windows7 & Windows8 RP... The 7 is what made (having) Windows8 possible & legit for the owner of Windows7. The RP could be Upgraded on that basis. In your case you now have nothing behind the RP although, you might be able to use or refer to the Starter Key on the machine's label. Best would be to play it safe & on Oct. 26th go buy a Full Version retail box & clean install... just start fresh.

Please refer to the following & notice the last sentence.
http://www.forumswindows8.com/instal...r-yes-7819.htm

Cheers,
Drew
Attachment 1109

I would think reinstalling Win 7 starter (using a downloaded ISO file) then installing Win 8 Pro would work. Perhaps I'm mistaken here. The key for Win 7 Starter is still valid. If it is installed first, then this would allow the upgrade media to Custom Install Win 8 Pro. Is my thinking invalid?

Ted,

I'm not dead certain re-installing the 7 is necessary. He had to have had 7 ahead of the RP (&, still, has the old 7 Key stuck to the machine)... should be able to go from RP via Upgrade.

Cheers,
Drew
Attachment 1112

Worth trying I guess. That's why I said this was a sticky situation.

Yes, it can be done, I've done it twice. But it needs to be clean installed for best results. At the end of the setup, you'll have the option (your final chance) to create media. There is the option to do it now, or create a ISO image for making your DVD or Flash drive setup later.

It's best to save the ISO image for later, preferably on an external drive, or another partition. A folder called Windows ISO will be created, from there, you can create as many DVD's or Flash drive installers as you wish. I do recommend to make a copy of the folder to an additional location, simply by drag & drop, or plug in an external & send it that way. The original won't be affected, & this gives the user extra ISO's if needed.

Once you create your DVD or Flash installer from the ISO, you can then Clean Install over Win 8 RP. Make sure that you don't format Win 8 RP prior to the install. Once the COA is entered, then the options to select a partition are there, go to where Win 8 RP is & choose that one, & then you can (& should) format, & begin the clean install.

Remember, there's only 9 days left to upgrade Windows 8 RP (& CP) to Windows 8 Pro. The lights are going out on 01/15/13. Unlike with Windows 7, there's going to be no 2 hours on, 2 hours off, the plug will simply be plugged.

Though this thread hasn't been responded to in a while, there are still Win 8 RP (& CP) users that has 9 days left to upgrade or risk the lights being turned out (for good). Don't get caught in the dark. If you don't plan to run Windows 8 beyond 01/14/13, be sure to backup your personal data & reinstall your prior OS, from a backup or recovery disk set/installation media.

Cat